The famous West Cork Rower Paul O’Donovan’s odds of winning the lightweight single sculls in the Florida World Rowing Championships have shortened further after his impressive eleven second win on Day One.

The reigning world under-23 champion was serving as a replacement for his brother Gary, who unfortunately had to pull out of the race due to a virus, but after taking an early lead he saw off Brazil’s Uncas Batista to win and book his spot in the quarter-finals.

BoyleSports were forced to shorten O’Donovan’s odds of winning the lightweight single sculls for a second year running to 4/7 from 4/6 as a result of his win and strong support from punters.

Aoife Heffron, Spokeswoman for BoyleSports commented “It was a successful first day in the World Rowing Championships in Florida with three out of four Irish rowers progressing to the next round.”

She added “Olympic silver medallist Paul O’Donovan’s odds have been cut to the red hot price of 4/7 from 4/6 to retain his gold in the lightweight single sculls after his fantastic win on Day One. O’Donovan stormed home to victory asserting his dominance as the defending champion despite four from five scullers qualifying.”